Artist Point is one of the most breathtaking elopement locations in the Pacific Northwest, with 360° views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers. Whether you’re hiking past alpine lakes or simply stepping out of your car to take in the views, Artist Point is the perfect location for any kind of couple.
If you’re dreaming of an Artist Point elopement, this guide has everything you need—from expert tips and step-by-step planning advice to a real life example of a couple who eloped here!
Step 1: Choose Your Date
The best months to elope at Artist Point are August and September, when the trails are clear, and the views are at their best. Artist Point is covered in snow almost year-round, so choosing the right month is important.
Summer (July-August)
The road to Artist Point usually opens in late-July. In August, enjoy snow-free trails, warm temps, and wildflowers, but expect crowds. To avoid the rush, elope on a weekday at sunrise or sunset (sunset is busier).
Fall (September- Early October)
Fall brings stunning colors and fewer crowds, but the weather is unpredictable. Late September to early October is ideal for beautiful foliage and cooler weather. Once you hit the second week of October, expect foggy and rainy conditions.
Winter (Mid-October-May)
Winter offers a snow-filled wonderland and fewer visitors, but it’s also the trickiest. You’ll need chains, and the road to the top isn’t open, so be prepared for some snowshoeing.
Spring (June)
Spring is still like winter at Artist Point, with deep snow making trails slushy and sometimes impassable. The road is still closed, so expect limited access.
Crowds at Artist Point
Artist Point is one of the busiest elopement locations in Washington. You’re almost guaranteed to run into another couple taking wedding portraits on the mountain. If this is a concern, I would recommend looking at a different location or planning your elopement to be around sunrise (sunset is very busy for portraits).
Step 2: Get a Permit and Parking Pass
Good news! No permit is required unless you have over 75 guests. However, most ceremony spots around Artist Point can only accommodate 12-20 people. You will need a $5 parking pass, though. You can purchase one on the drive up to Artist Point, but I highly recommend purchasing one online beforehand to save you some time.
Step 3: Hire Your Vendors
Ideally, you should hire your vendors first, especially your elopement photographer. A photographer familiar with the area can help you find hidden gems (wink, wink), choose the best date, recommend vendors, create a timeline, and more. Other common vendors to consider include a florist, hair and makeup artist, officiant, and videographer.
Step 4: Book Your Travel
For lodging, stay in Glacier, Deming, or Maple Falls, all about 45 minutes from Artist Point. If you prefer a larger town, Bellingham is 1.5 hours away and offers more conveniences like restaurants, stores, and activities.
Step 5: Get a Marriage License
Before eloping at Artist Point, be sure to get your marriage license! I recommend applying online or by mail, as Washington has a 3-day waiting period. Simply fill out the online application, note your transaction number, and wait for a call to process the $69 fee. The license will be mailed to you after payment, and you’re all set!
For detailed instructions and other options, visit the official King County website here
Step 6: Create a Timeline
We’re in the final stretch! It’s time to create a timeline for the big day. Here are some examples to help get you started:
8-Hour Timeline
9:00am – Brianna arrives at the Airbnb for getting ready images
10:00am – First look
10:30am – Head up the mountain for the ceremony
11:30am – Arrive at Artist Point and begin the ceremony
12:00pm – Family portraits
12:30pm – Couples portraits around Artist Point
1:30pm – Travel to nearby alpine lakes for more couples portraits
2:30pm – Picnic by the lakeshore
3:30pm – Head back to the Airbnb for cake and ice cream
4:30pm – Celebration with friends and family
5:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
4-Hour Timeline
10:00am – Brianna arrives at the Airbnb for getting ready images
11:00am – First look
11:30am – Travel to Artist Point for the ceremony
12:00pm – Arrive and begin the ceremony
12:30pm – Family portraits
1:00pm – Couples portraits at Artist Point
2:00pm – Photo coverage wraps up, Brianna leaves
Step 7: Pack and Prepare
Before the big day, take note of these few things:
- Download maps: There’s rarely cell service at the top, so download maps for offline use.
- Take medicine: If you’re prone to carsickness, bring some medicine as the road is quite windy.
- Wear sunscreen: The high elevation means stronger UV rays, so drink water and apply sunscreen, especially in summer.
- Check for road closures: Highway 542 closes around Memorial Day, mid-September, and early October for events or repairs.
Step 8: Elope at Artist Point!
You’ve just planned the perfect Artist Point elopement! If you’re still unsure what the day could look like, check out this real-life summer elopement I photographed at Artist Point below!
Artist Point Elopement Packages
I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer specializing in adventurous outdoor elopements in the Pacific Northwest who just so happens to know Artist Point like the back of her hand. I help couples plan their dream day with a range of hands-on services. Check out what’s included in my elopement packages below!
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage at Artist Point
- A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
- Personalized elopement location recommendations
- Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
- Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
- 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
- Customized elopement timelines
- Optional complimentary officiant services
- Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
- 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
- Travel fees to anywhere in Washington are already included
- Starting at $8,000
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. My mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
